At a joint presentation with Cardinia Shire Council last week, CFA operations officer Jim Dore said "Prepare. Act. Survive" kits had been sent to everyone living in high-risk areas across the shire.

"The main message we want to get across is that the CFA is well and truly prepared," he said.

"We have 18 volunteer brigades in the region who are fully trained and loaded with equipment that has been thoroughly checked.

"However, it's people's responsibility to protect themselves. The CFA simply can't guarantee a fire truck will be on your doorstep when needed."

Mr Dore said more than 600 people had attended community meetings in the region and many had joined community fireguard groups as part of the CFA's information blitz.

Pakenham police will be controlling traffic on Code Red Catastrophic fire days, as residents are expected to heed the CFA's message of "leave early".

Senior Sergeant Alan McCarthy said police would also conduct fire patrols with Casey and Greater Dandenong officers in the lead-up to Code Red Catastrophic days.

Cardinia Mayor Bill Pearson said it was up to every resident to be prepared, informed and vigilant throughout the entire fire season.

"The most precious possession is life and family - that should be the top priority," he said.

Residents who wish to receive a copy of the CFA's bushfire survival kit "Prepare. Act. Survive" can contact the nearest CFA branch, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au or phone the Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.

UPCOMING CFA community meetings:

Officer, 7pm Wednesday

Gembrook, 10am Saturday

Koo Wee Rup, 7.30pm December 8

Upper Beaconsfield, 7.30pm December 9

Maryknoll, 8pm December 10

Details: www.cfa.vic.gov.au or call 1800 240 667.